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Energy

US Department of Energy Deletes Energy Conservation Pages Amid Heatwave

WireByte Staff · July 4, 2026

The US Department of Energy deleted approximately 6,000 web pages related to energy conservation, sparking controversy as the country experiences a historic heatwave. The deletion follows Republican criticism of a New York City mayor's request to reduce AC usage. The Internet Archive has preserved the deleted pages.

Key points

  • The US Department of Energy deleted around 6,000 web pages about energy conservation.
  • The deletion was reportedly timed to coincide with Republican criticism of a New York City mayor's request to lower thermostat settings.
  • The deleted pages included information on water conservation, insulation, and the Department of Energy's solar decathlon challenge.
  • The Internet Archive has preserved the deleted pages for historical reference.
  • The move has sparked debate about the role of government in promoting energy conservation during extreme weather events.

The US Department of Energy has deleted thousands of web pages related to energy conservation, sparking controversy as the country experiences a historic heatwave. The deletion, which occurred without warning, has left many questioning the motivations behind the move.

According to reports, the deleted pages included information on water conservation, insulation, and the Department of Energy's solar decathlon challenge. The Internet Archive has preserved the deleted pages for historical reference.

The deletion comes amid Republican criticism of a New York City mayor's request to reduce AC usage during the heatwave. The mayor's request, which suggested setting thermostats between 75 and 78 degrees, was framed by some Republicans as an act of socialism and an attack on women in menopause.

The move has sparked debate about the role of government in promoting energy conservation during extreme weather events. While some argue that the deletion was a misguided attempt to appease conservative critics, others see it as a necessary step in promoting energy efficiency.

The controversy surrounding the deletion highlights the complex and often contentious nature of energy policy in the US. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the nation's efforts to promote energy conservation.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.